Parkinson’s: 7 Reasons Why Turmeric Can Help [UPDATED]

Parkinson’s disease affects neurons or nerve cells and is chronic and progressive. The nerve cells produce neurotransmitter chemical dopamine that sends signals between various parts of the brain.

This coordinates muscle movements. When this gets impaired, body movements are affected. Common symptoms include tremors, muscle rigidity, changes in posture or walking pattern, loss of balance, changes in handwriting and speech, increased falls and bradykinesia.

Genetic and environmental factors are held responsible for development of Parkinson’s disease. In Parkinson’s disease, a protein named alpha synuclein starts accumulating in the brain at abnormal levels and leads to formation of Lewy bodies.

There is a reduction in dopamine levels, a neurotransmitter which leads to death of brain cells in midbrain (substantia nigra) and this impairs motor function.

Treatment involves medication called levodopa which rectifies the reduction of dopamine levels.
Other medicines like dopamine agonists, MAO inhibitors may be prescribed and even surgery is one of the treatment options offered.

There is ongoing research that is trying to identify the precise causes of Parkinson’s and a cure. Until then, with available treatment and proper care, patients can live fulfilling lives.

7 Reasons Why Turmeric Could Help In Parkinson’s

Selective deterioration of dopaminergic neurons causes Parkinson’s, which is an age-related neurodegenerative disease. Current treatment for this condition aims at replenishing striatal dopamine.

However, these medications do not help in the long-term and even cause motor complications. They also do not prevent other Parkinson’s symptoms like postural instability, tremors and cognitive defects, nor are they neuroprotective.

New studies are being conducted on the use of antioxidant herbal remedies in treating Parkinson’s. Turmeric compound curcumin, a polyphenol, has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and antioxidant properties besides having neuroprotective capabilities since it can cross the blood-brain barrier.

Herein we have assessed 50+ research studies to give a fact based detailed outlook as to how turmeric shows therapeutic potential in Parkinson’s disease.

1. Turmeric has multiple benefits in Parkinson’s disease

Curcumin by virtue of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective property finds many therapeuticapplications in Parkinson’s disease.

As an antioxidant, curcumin prevents action of free radical species, peroxynitrite which causes oxidative damage to brain cells in Parkinson’s.

In an animal model of Parkinson’s disease, curcumin is found to bring about various positive changes. It prevented reduction of antioxidant enzymes in brain which otherwise would cause cell death in the brain.

It also prevented reduction in brain chemicals like dopamine and acetylcholine which are vital in brain function. Curcumin elevated the levels of proteins that are essential for maintenance and nerve growth.

Homocysteine is an amino acid which is elevated in Parkinson’s disease and this contributes to neurotoxicity. Curcumin protects nervous system from homocysteine induced toxicity and prevents impairment of motor function.

Animal studies show that curcumin protects from learning and memory deficits caused by elevated homocysteine levels.

Curcumin formulation is found prevent motor impairment in animal model of Parkinson’s disease. Curcumin as an antioxidant protects from oxidative stress in Parkinson’s disease.

As an antioxidant curcumin inhibits the destruction of neurons in the substantia nigra and prevents reduction in dopamine levels. Apart from anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, curcumin acts on various biochemical pathways to prevent cell death of dopaminergic neurons.

2. It protects brain cells from cell death

Cell death of neurons or brain cells that produce neurotransmitter, dopamine is characteristic of Parkinson’s disease and impairs motor function.

An animal study was conducted to examine whether turmeric consumption could help in protecting the dopaminergic neurons from cell death in Parkinson’s. Parkinson’s was induced by administering a drug named MPTP which produces symptoms similar to the disease.

The death of neurons in Parkinson’s occurs as a result of mitochondrial dysfunction; mitochondria are powerhouses of the cell and aid in cellular respiration.

Turmeric supplementation protected from neuronal cell death occurring as a result of this dysfunction.

It also prevented abnormal changes in neuronal proteins which is a marker of oxidative stress. Curcumin derivatives also show similar action.

Another study also proves that curcumin protects the brain mitochondria which is of relevance to Parkinson’s disease treatment.

CNB-001, a novel derivative of curcumin is found to protect the dopaminergic neurons from cell death in Parkinson’s disease.

Curcumin is famous as a chelating agent- it accumulates toxic metals as compounds that can be excreted.

By virtue of its iron-chelating properties, curcumin is found to suppress iron induced degeneration of dopaminergic neurons- the loss of which leads to symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Reducedlevels of glutathione, antioxidant leads to degeneration of brain cells. Curcumin and derivatives of curcumin as antioxidants protect against such degradation.

3. It prevents formation of Lewy bodies

Alpha synuclein is a protein found in brain cells. In Parkinson’s disease these proteins undergo changes in structure which causes cell death in brain cells. It forms protein aggregates called Lewy bodies.

Curcumin is found to inhibit such activity by inhibiting oxidative stress-imbalance between prooxidants and antioxidants. Curcumin inhibits over production of alpha synuclein and prevents its mutations.

Macroautophagy is a process that degrades that proteins in cells and this process is impaired in Parkinson’s disease due to accumulation of protein-alpha synuclein. Curcumin reduces accumulation of alpha synuclein by recovering the macroautophagy process.

Researchers at Oregon Health and Science Institute have found that curcumin treatment prevents motor function impairment occurring as a result of alpha synuclein accumulation.

Curcumin activates the level of transcription factor EB, a protein that regulates autophagy and in turn reduces neurotoxicity.

Autophagy degrades the accumulation of protein alpha synuclein.

Curcumin has the ability to cross the blood brain barrier and inhibit alpha synuclein accumulation and toxicity in Parkinson’s.

What does this mean?
Alpha synuclein protein accumulates in the brain leading to formation of Lewy bodies in Parkinson’s disease.

Curcumin inhibits accumulation of alpha synuclein and this is extremely important especially if science develops a way of delivering curcumin to the brain.

4. It inhibits enzyme monoamine oxidase to protect brain cells

Glial cells surround the neurons and provide them with protection.

In Parkinson’s disease they produce abnormal amounts of an enzyme monoamine oxidase which causes oxidative damage and leads to cell death. Inhibition of this enzyme can aid in treatment of Parkinson’s.

Dietary curcumin is identified as a compound that inhibits the activity of this enzyme and reduces oxidative stress.

In an animal study curcumin and its derivative tetrahydrocurcumin was found to reverse dopamine depletion and inhibited the activity of monoamine oxidase in Parkinson’s disease.

What does this mean?
Curcumin inhibits the activity of enzyme monoamine oxidase similar to that of medications-MAO inhibitors that are prescribed to manage Parkinson’s.

Curry consumption is associated with better cognitive performance in elderly Asians due to the presence of curcumin.

Curcumin supplementation in healthy older population is found to increase attention, working memory and mood.

Curcumin has a number of pharmacological properties that help in ameliorating the chemical imbalance in depression and stress.

Curcumin supplementation is as efficacious as Prozac or fluoxetine in treating depression. Review of clinical trials investigating the role of curcumin in depression also point out that curcumin is an effective add on therapy for depression.

What does this mean?
Curcumin supplementation can improve cognition and reduce memory deficits and depression in Parkinson’s disease.

6. Curcumin may improve motor function in Parkinson’s

One of the major symptoms of Parkinson’s diseases is difficulty in movement. The accumulation of α-synuclein leads to stiffness and rigidity in movement.

It is proven that dietary administration of curcumin can bring about significant improvement in gait impairment in animal model of Parkinsons.

CNB-001, a novel derivative of curcumin, It protects the neurons by anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties and mitigates motor impairment.

A recent study published in Pharmacology, Behaviour and Biochemistry, 2016 demonstrated that curcumin attenuated movement related deficits in animal model of Parkinson’s by increasing the level of antioxidant enzymes.

In a fly model of Parkinson’s disease, curcumin reduces oxidative stress, delays loss of motor function and increases life span.

Researchers have studied the effects of curcumin in various developmental stages in fly model in Parkinson’s disease. Curcumin is found to protect from motor defects in early stages of life.

What does this mean?
Dietray curcumin may prevent motor function impairment and may improve motor function in Parkinson’s.

7. Curcumin derivatives have potent therapeutic action in Parkinson’s

Various derivatives of curcumin have been developed which show enhanced neuroprotective activity than curcumin in case of Parkinson’s.

CNB-001, a compoundderived from curcumin shows therapeutic value in Parkinson’s by :

Protecting dopaminergic neurons in the brain

Reducing oxidative stress and protecting mitochondrial function

Attenuating impairments in movement

Suppressing neuroinflammation

Liposomal curcumin (curcumin wrapped in fat like structures) is proven to improve motor function, prevent apoptosis in neurons and stimulate dopaminergic neurons as a means to ameliorate symptoms linked with Parkinson’s disease.

Curcumin glucoside, a derivative of curcumin, prevents clumping and aggregation of α-synuclein.

Curcumin and its metabolite, tetrahydrocurcumin also offers neuroprotection and reverses brain damage.

What does this mean?
Various compounds are being developed from curcumin which are more potent than curcumin itself in treating symptoms of Parkinson’s and have the potential of being developed into clinical drugs.

FAQs regarding Turmeric for Parkinson’s disease

Here are a couple of Frequently Asked Questions in relation to turmeric’s therapeutic action in Parkinson’s disease. If you have any queries apart from these please write to us or leave your comments below.

1. Can turmeric/curcumin treat Parkinson’s disease?

Due to the limited absorption of turmeric in the body, different approaches are being explored to deliver curcumin/turmeric to the brain cells.

So there is no concrete evidence of clinical effect of turmeric in Parkinson’s. However including turmeric in diet can help prevent Parkinson’s or reduce its symptoms.

2. Can turmeric help in dementia?

Yes dietary turmeric can help in early stages of dementia and improve cognition. Please refer to Dosage section below.

3. Should I take turmeric or curcumin in Parkinson’s?

This depends on the stage of Parkinson’s and the form of turmeric you are taking. If it is a preventive measure, then turmeric in diet can help reduce symptoms of dementia as well as aid in preventing Parkinsons.

If you are already suffering from Parkinson’s then a combination of curcumin supplements and turmeric in diet can benefit. Please refer to the Dosage section below.

4. What dose of turmeric should I take for Parkinson’s?

This depends on the form of turmeric you are taking. Please refer to Dosage section below for details.

5. Is it safe to take turmeric supplements with Golden/Turmeric Paste in Parkinson’s?

Yes it is safe to take Golden Paste or turmeric in diet when taking supplements; however it is advisable to limit to low doses of Golden Paste say 1-2 teaspoon in a day to avoid gastric discomfort.

6. What herbs can I take with turmeric for Parkinson’s?

Turmeric goes well with most herbs but it is best to consult a herbalist or naturopathy expert about this. Omega 3 supplements may be beneficial.

Ayurveda recommends seeds of Mucuna pruriens L.(DC) as a natural source of levodopa and also suggests the use of Withania somnifera L.(Dunal). Ashwagandha is also beneficial for brain health. Consult a herbalist or Ayurvedic practitioner before commencing with herbal treatment for Parkinson’s.

7. Can I take turmeric with medications that I am already taking for Parkinson’s?

Yes turmeric in diet is safe and can be consumed when on other medications. However when taking curcumin supplements keep a gap of at least 4 hours before taking any other medicines as curcumin interferes with drug metabolism.

Also avoid taking Golden Paste close to the time of taking other medicines to avoid drug interactions with black pepper.

8. How long does it take to turmeric benefit in Parkinson’s?

Turmeric is recommended as an add-on therapy in Parkinson’s and the effects may be evidenced as improved cognition, improved memory etc. It make take as much as a month to see benefits depending on severity of the disease and the dose taken.

9. Are there any side effects or precautions to note about turmeric?

Turmeric when taken in diet in moderate doses is safe. However there are a certain precautions that you should be aware of and these have been discussed below in Precautions section.

10. Should turmeric be avoided in gout?

Low doses of turmeric in diet can be used in gout but for a therapeutic purpose it is preferable to take turmeric supplements. Please read Precautions section.

11. I am taking a blood thinner, can I take turmeric?

Turmeric in small amounts in diet is safe but turmeric supplements should be avoided in case of bleeding/clotting disorder. It is advisable to discuss this with your doctor.

Dosage of Turmeric for Parkinson’s

Including turmeric in diet is very very easy. You can add it to anything you cook. You can check some great recipes in recipe section of the website too.

Always include black pepper in diet so that you can get full benefit of turmeric. This is because turmeric’s absorption in body is low. Black pepper enhances it. More details on black pepper + turmeric benefits here

Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric is poorly absorbed in the body. Natural ingredients like black pepper and oil increase its absorption. Therefore we recommend taking Golden Paste, a recipe that combines all three.

You can start with ¼ to ½ teaspoon a day and gradually increase the dose to 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day or how it suits you.

In early stages of Parkinson’s or for dementia, dietary turmeric can be of help. However research is focused on optimising curcumin as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease.

You can consult your doctor about curcumin supplements (Curcumin phospholipid/ Longvida or even standardized 95% curcumin with bioperine).

Precautions

Turmeric spice does not cause any side effects when used in food. Turmeric in diet is safe and studies show that supplementation doses up to 8g do not cause side effects.

But it is not advised to take such high doses. Also if you are new to turmeric you might experience slight gastric issues which fade away gradually.

Turmeric supplements should be taken when advised by a doctor. Curcumin has blood thinning property and hence turmeric supplements are to be avoided 2 weeks prior to surgery. Also avoid supplements when taking blood thinners.

Turmeric supplements should be avoided in pregnancy and lactation. They are not recommended if suffering from gallstone obstruction. Turmeric supplements may interact with blood thinners, blood sugar lowering medications, stomach acid reducing drugs and certain antidepressants.

Turmeric is high in oxalates, so if you are suffering from kidney stones or gout it is advisable to limit intake of turmeric as a spice and consult a health practitioner for turmeric supplements if needed for therapeutic action.

Conclusion

Parkinson’s disease does not have a cure till date. However inclusion of foods that are good for brain health can help prevent Parkinson’s disease.

Dietary turmeric can help prevent Parkinson’s and research on experimental models show that curcumin can aid in treatment of Parkinson’s disease in multiple ways: reducing oxidative stress, reducing accumulation of proteins in the brain and regulating abnormal levels of neurotransmitters.

Studies on humans and ways to deliver curcumin to the brain at therapeutic doses for Parkinson’s treatment are required and it is actively researched upon.

more information on Turmeric/Cumin. My wife at 85 has had slowly progressing Parkinson’s for 30 years. She fell on her head about six months age, was stapled with 16 staples. Hospital x rays showed nothing, but how can you tell what happened beneath the scull. PLEASE ANY HELP !!!!!

Hi. We can understand your worry. For a head injury, it is necessary to get professional help and a second opinion in some cases. Turmeric can help as palliative care in controlling inflammation and protecting brain health. Please consult a health practitioner about this.

It is best to consult a doctor regarding dosage of turmeric supplements for it depends on the formulation. The recommended dose for standardized 95% curcumin extract with bioperine or black pepper is 400-600mg 2-3 times a day after meals.

Poornima, as mentioned in the article there is research that is currently being done to make turmeric more available in the body so as to treat Parkinson’s. The low bioavailability of turmeric in body is one issue. Also one should make sure that they are getting good quality turmeric free from additives, colors and fillers. You could consult the doctor about turmeric supplements.
Also she can take Golden Paste which may help control the symptoms. Start with small doses such as 1/4-1/2 tsp and if you see no side effects then increase the dose gradually to 1-2 tsp 2-3 times a day over a few weeks. Best taken with food to avoid acid reflux. Avoid taking it at the same time when you take other meds. https://www.turmericforhealth.com/turmeric-recipes/how-to-make-turmeric-paste-or-golden-paste

I have had severe back and ribcage pain for at least 20 years due to spine curvature. I had constant inflammation. I started taking 120 mg of “Theracurmin” by Natural Factors and after 2 days the decrease in pain was incredible…before I could not use my arms. Now I can. My back issue is very severe and to finally be relieved of probably 75% of pain is amazing….I am able to do some things again. The pain before was chronic and 10+

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The content on our website is for educational purposes only. Although we try our level best to provide useful and accurate information, you are responsible to research and verify information before relying on it.

You must not rely on the information on this website as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

If you have any specific questions about any medical matter, drug interactions or you are suffering from a medical condition you should consult your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.

We support the use of turmeric for various health conditions in humans as well as animals. However if suffering from an acute or chronic health condition or if taking any medication, it is advisable to consult a health practitioner before taking turmeric for therapeutic purposes (applicable for both humans and animals). We are not responsible for any contraindications one may face when taking turmeric as treatment without medical advice.

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